DUMPING Premiership Bolton out of the FA Cup has instilled in Tranmere a renewed sense of self-belief.

DUMPING Premiership Bolton out of the FA Cup has instilled in Tranmere a renewed sense of self-belief.

Ryan Taylor, (right), excelled down the righthand side at the Reebok and the defender believes the team can carry on the good form when they return to Division Two action against Hartlepool tomorrow.

Tuesday's third round replay triumph over Bolton was Rovers' first win in five league and cup games.

Taylor said: "It's not as though we have lost every game. There have been some hard fought draws in there.

"We need to move up the table and to do that we have to show more performances like we turned in against Bolton. If we do that, I can't see us going wrong.

"I know Bolton did not put out their strongest eleven, but they were still Premiership players and we were playing away from home. The lads are still buzzing from that game and we are full of confidence."

The 19-year-old made his Tranmere debut against Hartlepool in last season's Worthington Cup, scoring in a 2-1 win. He netted again just weeks later when the Monkey Hangers arrived at Prenton Park in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Hartlepool currently lie one place off the play-offs and have seven more points than Rovers.

Despite them having lost four of their last six league games away from home, Taylor is expecting a tough match.

He said: "They have come up from Division Three and you would expect them to have a go. They have done very well this season.

"We played very well when we went up there earlier this season and if we stay on a high after Tuesday then hopefully we will get three points tomorrow."

Taylor admitted he was surprised to be selected at right wing-back ahead of the more experienced Sean Connelly at Bolton.

He said: "I was surprised Sean was not playing and that I came straight back into the team after suspension, but it shows the gaffer is not scared to drop anyone.

"I was just happy to play and having Iain Hume in front of me was a big bonus. The things he does during a game helps you a lot."

Tranmere manager Brian Little is aware that the 120 minutes his side played at the Reebok could take its toll on tomorrow's performance.

Little said: "We had a great result on Tuesday. A lot of people forget how much it can take out of players.

"Irrespective of what level I have been at, if a club has played well against us I always say to my staff to watch them at the weekend because they will lose. It's not because the players get carried away, it's down to what they put into the game.

"Our preparation for Hartlepool has to be spot on. The players put an awful lot into Tuesday's game.

"When you play against people who are technically better than you, you tend to have to work a hell of a lot harder to get through it. We may have to change a player or two if they are jaded."